Falcons announce death of defensive coordinator’s wife, 48

The Atlanta Falcons announced that Cristina Ulbrich, the wife of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, has died after a battle with cancer. She was 48. The team issued a statement on Thursday, July 30, confirming her passing.

Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank said Cristina Ulbrich would always be an important part of the Falcons family and that his heart was with Jeff, their three children, and the entire family during an unimaginable time. Head coach Kevin Stefanski, speaking to reporters on Friday, described the situation as heartbreaking for the Ulbrich family, the Falcons organization, and everyone who knew her. He said the team would support Jeff and his children in both the short and long term. Jeff Ulbrich has not been with the team for the first three days of training camp and will address the media when appropriate, according to Stefanski.

Cristina Ulbrich had been enduring the disease for at least a year, though the specific form of cancer was not disclosed. She was a constant presence throughout her husband's football career, which spanned a decade as a linebacker and special teams player for the San Francisco 49ers, followed by his transition into coaching. The couple met...